8 Festival of Lights events

The Festival of Lights kicks off informally Saturday with the Parade of Lights, followed by a host of holiday events running from Thanksgiving all the way up to the New Year. Here are eight events that are part of the Festival of Lights this year.

A float is driven down East Washington Street at the Festival of Lights in East Peoria. (JUSTIN WAN/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

1. Parade of Lights — Saturday

About 30 lighted floats will illuminate the streets of East Peoria along the three-mile parade route, including the first brand new float constructed since 2011. The parade starts at 5:45 p.m. with the parade route promptly closing at 5:30 p.m.to all traffic. For more information on the parade route, visit www.folepi.org.

The electric park of all the lighted displays and Parade of Lights floats starts Nov. 26 and is open every day through Dec. 31, including holidays.
The Wonderland is located at the VFW Post 2078 Park, 123 Par 3 Lane off Springfield Road. The park is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.Friday and Saturday.

Admission is $10 per car except for charter buses, which cost $150. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are accepted.

Tune in to 107.9 FM for festive Christmas music during the Wonderland route.

3. Ornament Hunt

$1,000 in prizes will be on the line for central Illinois residents if they can find the 3-inch round acrylic Folepi ornament.

In its third year, the Folepi Ornament Hunt will begin Nov. 25 with the release of the first clue. Subsequent clues will be issued weekly until the ornament is found. The hiding place for the small trinket will be hidden somewhere on public property, inside or outside, within East Peoria city limits, and any central Illinois resident can participate.

Lights shine through the cold air at the Folepi Winter Wonderland at Veterans Park in East Peoria. (JUSTIN WAN/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

4. Holiday runs

Within the month of festivities, two holiday runs are part of the Festival of Lights. The Folepi River Trail Classic, held at9 a.m. Nov. 28, features a four-mile course through the winding downhill River Trail of Illinois. Entry fee is $38 with the inclusion of a zip-front hooded sweatshirt or $15 for the race only. The second race is the 15th Annual Get Lit New Year’s Eve Fun Run, a non-competitive run/walk through the Winter Wonderland starting at 11:50 p.m.Dec. 31. A pizza party follows the race at the East Peoria Avanti’s location. For more information, visit www.folepi.org.

The 17-story-tall Commerce Bank building in Downtown Peoria shines through the Festival of Lights display in East Peoria. (ADAM GERIK/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

5. Folepi’s Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest, held in the area outside of East Peoria Civic Plaza at 401 W. Washington St., includes a 35-foot tall Christmas tree, other lighted trees decorated by East Peoria grade school students and some parade floats. Admission is free. The display of lights at the Enchanted Forest will be turned on at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 with songs performed by the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus 15 minutes prior.

The Christmas Splendor Contest puts East Peoria’s festiveness to the test with judging in three different categories: homes, businesses (including schools and churches) and neighborhoods.

All decorations must be viewable from the curb and cannot use professional lighting. Winners from the 2015 contest also are not eligible. All entrants must register by 5 p.m. Dec. 4 and judging occurs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Dec. 8. Winners will be announced at the East Peoria City Council meeting Dec. 15. Enter online at www.folepi.org.

“Prancer”, an 11-year old reindeer, gets a rub on his nose by his master at Folepi’s Village. (RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

7. Folepi’s Gift Shop and Stroll

One of the few one-night only events during the Festival of Lights, the Shop and Stroll will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Dec. 5 in East Peoria’s original downtown, the historic Four Corners District.
Visit the various stores and shop for handcrafted items, vintage furniture, jewelry, treats and holiday decor. A free horse-drawn carriage ride with Santa will also be available as well as face painting with Elsa from the movie “Frozen.” The Four Corners District is bounded by East Washington Street, North Main Street and McKinley Street.

The Nativity Display Association created this drive-by Nativity Display back in 1985, which is now featured as part of the Festival of Lights attractions in East Peoria. (FRED ZWICKY/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

8. Narrated Nativity Scene

The handmade Nativity scene, maintained by a steady volunteer base, is located at the intersection of Springfield Road and Taylor Street from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31. A two-minute narration can be heard on the 1610 AM radio station nightly as you drive by.